Yellowstone Breaks Visitor Records Amid Historic Budget Cuts

June 20, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Crowds train eyes and iPhones on Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

Trump administration announces proposed 2026 budget cuts to NPS as Yellowstone sees busiest May on record.

Federal Budgets Reveal Plans to Consolidate Wildland Firefighting Forces

June 11, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Wildland firefighters look on as the Forest Service faces an uncertain future

The U.S. Forest Service would surrender wildfire duties to the Interior Department starting in 2026.

Inside the Science of Dousing Wildfires

June 10, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A Neptune Aviation BAe-146 jet drops fire retardant

In the world of aerial firefighting, one MSU professor is looking at how science can transform the multimillion dollar industry of wildfire retardant. And save lives in the process.

Becoming Bear Aware in the West

June 4, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Across Greater Yellowstone and the West, bear managers are working to educate locals and visitors on the dangers of bears depending on human food

As state and federal wildlife agencies debate grizzly bear management, nonprofit groups work to build bear tolerance one trash can at a time.

The Phantom of the Rockies

May 13, 2025 // FEATURE

by Benjamin Alva Polley

Between human development, a warming climate and battles to remain on the endangered species list, the rare wolverine faces stiff challenges

Chasing wolverines on and off the endangered species list.

The Joy of Native Plant Gardening

May 9, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

Native plants in the garden bring beauty and comfort

Planting native flora in your yard (as opposed to grass) offers more than a water-saving landscape and haven for pollinators. It can also provide wonder and peace.

DEQ Denies Petition to Designate Big Hole River as Impaired

April 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

Two nonprofits in February petitioned Montana DEQ to designate the Big Hole River as impaired

Petitioners urge DEQ to ‘use all available science’ in considering a future impairment designation.

Forest Service Braces for Restructuring as Timber Orders Add to Workload

April 25, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A Forest Service memo calls for a 25 percent increase in timber production by July 4

Feds look to consolidate regional offices while planning to roll out new strategies over the next two months.

Rejecting Despair in the Arms of Nature

April 22, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

A mountain chickadee celebrates spring in Greater Yellowstone

In an effort to rise above a vicious news cycle, incessant politics and threats to our wildlife and public lands, MoJo columnist Susan Marsh seeks solace in nature and good friends.

Wyoming Looks to Designate Famed Path of the Pronghorn

April 21, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Alex Hargrave

Pronghorn are North America's fastest land mammal and migrate hundreds of miles along Wyoming's Path of the Pronghorn

A Wyoming Game and Fish Commission vote in July could bring a long-deliberated migration corridor for imperiled pronghorn a step closer to designation as a state corridor.